Utility totebag system with multiple replaceable liners

ABSTRACT

The invention is a utility totebag system that can be carried by a person. The system includes an outer carrier shell and at least two interchangeable, removable liners with varying characteristics adapted to differing requirements of transporting various small items. Any number of specialized liners can be includes in the system with preferable design choices for the set of interchangeable liners including one made of water-resistant material, and/or one made of thermally insulating material. Optionally an interior closure strap is provided to narrow the opening of the totebag. The interior of the outer carrier shell has means for temporarily attaching any one of the set of interchangeable liners. Each liner has matching attaching means. In alternative embodiments, the shell and/or the liners have a flexible flap of material that covers and protects the attachment means.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to totebags that can be carried by a person and are adaptable to the task of transporting a small items having variety of characteristics.

BACKGROUND

Modern lifestyles often require that people carry a large variety of small items for business and personal use. The virtually infinite list includes typical items such as wallets, cosmetics, cell phones, computers, keys, notepads, pens, and baby supplies, but also includes items with special requirements such as grocery or pharmaceutical items that must be kept cool. Other transportable items with problematic characteristics include wet gym clothes, wet swimsuits and soiled infant care supplies. A consumer might purchase various diaper bags, handbags, briefcases, computer bags, and insulated bags to meet each of these requirements, but the expense, storage problems and lack of esthetic appeal make this solution less than ideal.

The prior art of handbag design includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,573 issued to Owens Dec. 21, 1999. It describes an interchangeable purse assembly that includes a removable “interior pouch” that is attached by a zipper, Velcro, snaps, etc. Inside the pouch are a storage pockets for pens, credit cards, photos, address book, etc. Owens suggests that the interior purse with all of the contents can be unzipped from one outer purse and then zipped into another outer purse of a different style allowing a quick change of purse styles, thus eliminating the burdensome chore of having to individually transfer the items to a different purse.

U.S. patent Huie U.S. Pat. No. 7,461,676 issued to Huie Dec. 9, 2008 is titled a “Handbag with interchangeable liner.” Huie describes a “handbag system for efficient changing of handbag styles” that includes two outer shells and a removable liner for attachment within either of the outer shells. The removable liner, containing typical personal belongings, can be detached from one outer shell and moved to another outer shell while retaining the contents. The outer shells differ in their styles and can be selected for matching the user's “outfit”. Huie calls the multiple shells and removable liner “a fashion system.” Huie states without elaboration that “multiple liners 140 can be interchanged within first and second outer shells 110 a or 110 b.” The example given for the liner in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C includes pleats 156. “Upon unfolding of pleats 156, liner attachment area 154 lengthens and liner 140 can be inserted into different shells 110 with attachment areas 130 of various lengths.” Toggle-style fasteners 132 are used in the embodiment shown.

Similarly U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,254 issued to Fromm May 4, 1993 describes a handbag assembly with separable inner pouch and outer member to allow conversion into a variety of different styles and configurations. In one embodiment of the invention, continuous strips of hook and loop type fastening material are provided on either side of the lining pouch near its opening. These strips mate with corresponding strips provided on the inner surface of the outer member to fasten the lining pouch in place. The strips on the lining pouch also mate with one another to seal the pouch when it is removed from the outer envelope. Lifting straps are provided to facilitate removal of the inner pouch from the outer envelope of the outer member.

Published U.S. patent application 20090065110 by Cassella (Mar. 12, 2009) describes a “Quick Change Purse” which allows changing styles, sizes and/or colors of the bag through use of a removable interior lining which can expand and contract in length and/or in depth depending on the size and/or shape of the bag it is fitted. Two or more linings may be attached together to increase its depth for fitting into bigger bags. When used with transparent handbags the lining may change appearance of the handbags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a utility totebag system that can be carried by a person. The system includes an outer carrier shell and at least two interchangeable, removable liners with varying physical and mechanical characteristics adapted to differing (and possibly incompatible) requirements of transporting various small items. Any number of specialized liners can be included in the system with optional design choices for the set of interchangeable liners including one made of water-resistant material, and/or one made of thermally insulating material. An exemplary liner with thermal insulating properties is adapted to transporting items requiring refrigeration which could include some groceries and/or pharmaceuticals. Another exemplary liner is adapted to transporting a portable computer and associated items. Yet another exemplary liner is made of water-resistant material adapted to transporting wet and/or soiled items. By having interchangeable liners, the system allows the user to transport otherwise incompatible items such as soiled clothing and groceries using the same carrier shell by replacing the liner. The outer carrier shell preferably has one or more carrying straps that facilitate the carrying of the totebag by a person. Optionally an interior closure strap is provided to narrow the lateral opening of the totebag.

The interior of the outer carrier shell has means for temporarily attaching any one of the set of interchangeable liners, for example, using zippers, buttons or hook and loop strips. Each liner has matching attaching means. In one embodiment mating zipper halves on the shell and liner allow the liner to be attached around the entire circumference of the opening the shell. In alternative embodiments, the shell and/or the liners have a flexible flap of material that covers and protects the attachment means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of the outside of a utility totebag according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top view of a utility totebag according to the invention with attached interior liner designed for carrying items such as groceries and/or pharmaceutical items that should be kept cool.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of a detached liner according to the invention designed for carrying items including a notebook computer or similar device.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of a detached water-resistant liner according to the invention designed for carrying items including diaper supplies.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a top view of a utility totebag according to the invention with an attached interior closure strap and latching means.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a section view of the outer carrier shell of an embodiment of the invention illustrating the magnetic receiver latch and zipper arrangement.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a section view of an embodiment of a liner of the invention illustrating the zipper arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of the outside of a utility totebag 21 according to the invention. Two carrying straps 22 are attached to the outer carrier shell 23 in this embodiment that facilitate the carrying of the totebag by a person. Although the size of the totebag is not critical, an exemplary size for the outer carrier shell 23 could be approximately 14 inches wide, 6.5 inches deep and 14 inches high. The outer carrier shell 23 has flexible, relatively thin side walls and is generally hollow with an opening (mouth) at the top. In one embodiment the outer carrier shell 23 is a flexible open-top container with a closed bottom. The walls and bottom of the outer carrier shell 23 can be made of leather, fabric, plastic or any other material typically used for totebags. The removable liner 32, which will be described more fully below, is sized to substantially fill the interior hollow cavity of the outer carrier shell 23 and be removable through the top opening.

An embodiment of the utility totebag system according to the invention includes at least one outer carrier shell and at least two interchangeable liners having characteristics adapted to transporting at least two different sets of items that have different transportation requirements. An exemplary set of liners could include a thermally insulating liner adapted to transporting groceries and/or pharmaceutical items that should be kept cool, a liner adapted to transporting a portable computer (and associated items) and a water-resistant liner adapted to transporting wet gym clothes, wet swimwear and/or diaper supplies including wet and/or soiled items.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top view of a utility totebag 21 according to the invention with attached grocery liner 32 designed for carrying items such as groceries and/or pharmaceutical items that should be kept cool. Surface 32B is the bottom of the liner and in normal use would be disposed significantly below the upper edge of the liner where the straps 22 are attached. In this embodiment a zipper 33 with zipper slider 34 temporarily (removably) attaches grocery liner 32 to the outer carrier shell 23. The zipper 33, which extends substantially around the interior circumference of the opening of the outer carrier shell 23, is a separating type that allows the liner to be completely removed. Preferably one of the two mating components (halves) of zipper 33 is fastened by sewing or other comparable means to the interior of the outer carrier shell 23 near the upper edge or top of the shell. Attaching the zipper slightly below the upper edge, for example, approximately 2 inches down, will be preferable in some embodiments to allow the lining to be less exposed and less visible when being carried. Preferably the straps 22 are attached by sewing or other comparable means to the outer carrier shell 23 slightly above the line of attachment for the zipper. Preferably the zipper 33 extends substantially around the interior opening or mouth of the outer carrier shell 23 so that no large gap in the attachment exists that would allow objects to fall between the liner and the shell. Preferably the second of the two mating components of zipper 33 is fastened by sewing or other comparable means to the outer upper edge of the liner 32 to allow a nesting-fit of the grocery liner 32 inside the outer carrier shell 23. The grocery liner 32 preferably slightly shorter than the height of the outer carrier shell 23 so that the liner does not protrude above the upper edge of the outer carrier shell. Other comparable means of removably attaching the grocery liner 32 and the other liners described below that can be used include, but are not limited to, buttons (including toggle type buttons) and button holes, and hook and loop type fastening strips.

Grocery liner 32 includes pockets 36 formed from mesh (or netting) attached to the inside of the liner. Preferably these pockets, which can be any size or number, are sized to hold standard grocery items such as bottles of liquids. Also included as shown are two carton straps 35, which are preferably made of elastic material, for holding items similar to cartons of milk or juice. The grocery liner body is preferably made of flexible materials that provide thermal insulation to keep items requiring refrigeration cool during transportation. An exemplary embodiment uses a multilayered, flexible structure for the walls and bottom of the liner that includes a layer of thermally insulating foam sandwiched between two outside layers of suitable supporting material such as nylon or polyethylene.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of a detached electronic device liner 40 according to the invention designed for carrying items including notebook computer or similar device. The viewpoint is looking down at an angle from the front into the open interior of the liner. The electronic device liner 40 is shown detached from the outer carrier shell 23. Any one of the attachment means (not shown) described above can be used for this liner and be attached to upper edge 47 as will be described further below. The electronic device liner 40 includes flexible pockets 4145 which are preferably several inches to a foot or more deep to accommodate variously sized items including a notebook computer, cell phone, pens, etc. Pocket 41 has a notebook strap 46, which securely holds the pocket closed. The notebook strap 46 can be secured by hook and loop means or other equivalent means.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of a water-resistant diaper bag liner 50 according to the invention designed for carrying items including diaper supplies. The diaper bag liner 50 is preferably made from waterproof or water resistant material. The liner includes variously sized pockets 51 which are intended to accommodate transportation of a multiplicity of items such as baby bottles, baby wipes, diapers, toys.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a top view of a utility totebag embodiment 60 according to the invention with outer carrier shell 63 which has an attached interior closure strap 64 and latching means comprising magnetic receiver latch 65 and metallic button 67. This outer carrier shell 63 can be used with any of the liners described herein. In the position shown the interior closure strap 64 is floating over the interior of the liner 32. In the closed or latched position (not shown) the end of the interior closure strap 64 with metallic button 67 is placed in contact with magnetic receiver latch 65 to latch the strap. In the closed or latched position the flexible sides of the outer carrier shell 63 are pulled toward each other to narrow the top opening of the totebag. In one embodiment the interior closure strap 64 is dimensioned to constrict the width of the top opening of the totebag to approximately 3 inches. The magnetic receiver latch 65 is attached to the inside wall of the outer carrier shell 63 above zipper 33. In this embodiment magnetic receiver latch 65 is oriented to receive the metallic button 67 in a vertical position which means the user will pull the interior closure strap 64 toward magnetic receiver latch 65 and tilt or position the end of the interior closure strap 64 with metallic button 67 vertically to mate with magnetic receiver latch 65 to latch the strap. Preferably the metallic button 67 has a small protrusion on its outside face that matches and mates with a comparable recess in the magnetic receiver latch 65 to increase the strength of the magnetic latching force exerted on the metallic button 67 by magnetic receiver 65. The metallic button 67 includes sufficient ferromagnetic material, such as steel, to be attracted with a sufficient force by ferromagnetic material in magnetic receiver 65 to latch interior closure strap 64 under normal and allow a user to easily remove the metallic button 67 from the magnetic receiver 65. Optional latch shroud 66 provides protection for magnetic receiver latch 65 to help prevent metallic objects being carried in the totebag from unintentionally being attracted to the magnet. The latch shroud 66 can conveniently be a strip of leather or comparable material that is large enough to cover the magnetic receiver latch 65 in the vertical and horizontal directions as viewed from the inside of the totebag. As shown the latch shroud 66 is attached to the outer carrier shell 63 on the left and right of magnetic receiver latch 65 and forms a shallow loop of material, which extends toward the interior of the totebag and provides clearance for the end of the interior closure strap 64 with metallic button 67 to be inserted into position and removed by a user. The latch shroud 66 can form a pocket by having a closed bottom or the bottom can be left open as shown.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a section view through the outer carrier shell 70 of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a particular arrangement of the magnetic receiver latch 65, zipper half 33A and flexible zipper flap 71A. The section view is taken vertically through side wall of the outer carrier shell 70 through the center of magnetic receiver latch 65 and shows an optional recess 65A designed a receive an optional mating protrusion on metallic button 67. As shown the section cuts through latch shroud 66 which at this point loops out away from magnetic receiver latch 65. The bulk body of the outer carrier shell 70 comprises an outer layer 72, which is preferably a material such as leather, canvas or other material suitable for the exterior of the totebag, and inner layer 73, which can be a lighter material such as cloth, since it is not subject to as heavy wear as the outer layer 72. The outer and inner layers 72, 73 are preferably concentric, similarly bag-shaped components. Wall cap 71, which is preferably a material such as leather or other material suitable for the exterior of the totebag, is preferably sewn over the inner and outer layers 72, 73. The wall cap 71 is shown as a single piece in FIG. 6 but it can also be formed by sewing two (or more) pieces of material together with a joint at the top edge of the outer carrier shell 70, for example.

Wall cap 71 in this embodiment includes zipper flap 71A which substantially overlaps and covers zipper half 33A on the interior of the totebag. Zipper flap 71A acts to protect zipper half 33A from wear, as well as, visually hiding zipper half 33A. The zipper flap 71A is preferably formed by sewing together at least the wall cap 71, inner layer 73 and zipper half 33A along the plane indicated by line A-A′ which leaves the zipper flap 71A as a flexible, unattached (floating) segment of wall cap 71. Preferably the sewing threads (not shown) do not extend through the outer wall 72. The backing for zipper half 33A is a flexible material, so that both zipper half 33A and zipper flap 71A are flexible to allow a user to flex both components to a limited extent to achieve zipping and unzipping of the zipper halves to attach the liner.

Embodiments of the replaceable liners can include a comparable zipper flap so that the completed zipper is substantially protected and hidden when the liner is attached. FIG. 7 is an illustration of a section view of an embodiment of a liner 81 of the invention illustrating the zipper half 33B, which mates with zipper half 33A, and liner zipper flap 82A arrangement. Zipper flap 82A as shown is formed from the flexible material 82 used for the body of the liner. The zipper half 33B can be attached to liner by sewing or other means where contact is shown in the figure. When the liner 81 is attached to outer carrier shell 70 by zipping zipper halves 33A and 33B together, flexible zipper flap 71A preferably will be disposed substantially adjacent to, abutting or overlapping zipper flap 82A, so that the two flexible zipper flaps 71A, 82A substantially cover both zipper halves as viewed from the interior of the purse.

Attachment of magnetic receiver latch 65 can be achieved by any convenient means, but one method uses a rivet type fastening means (not shown) which attaches the magnetic receiver latch 65 to the inner and outer layers 72, 73, but not to wall cap 71. In this embodiment the wall cap 71 covers the rivet type fastening means so that it is hidden from view. 

1. A utility totebag system comprising: an outer totebag carrier shell with an opening and a first fastening component attached to an interior surface of the outer totebag carrier shell adjacent to the opening; a first liner sized to nest inside of the outer totebag carrier shell, the first liner having a second fastening component attached to an outside surface, the second fastening device mating with the first fastening component to selectively attach the first liner to the outer totebag carrier shell under control of a user, the first liner having at least two pockets in a first configuration for transporting a first set of items, the first liner being made of a non-waterproof material; and a second liner sized to nest inside of the outer totebag carrier shell, the second liner having a third fastening component attached to an outside surface, the third fastening device mating with the first fastening component to selectively attach the second liner to the outer totebag carrier shell under control of a user with the second liner having at least two pockets in a second configuration for transporting a second set of items, the second liner being made of a water-resistant material; and wherein the user can selectively attach the first or the second liner to the outer totebag carrier shell.
 2. The utility totebag system of claim 1 wherein the first liner further comprises a portable computer pocket with a securing strap for holding a portable computer.
 3. The utility totebag system of claim 1 wherein walls of the first or second liner are made from a flexible multi-layered material that includes a layer thermally insulating material sandwiched between two outer layers.
 4. The utility totebag system of claim 1 wherein the second liner includes pockets for transporting diaper supplies.
 5. The utility totebag system of claim 1 wherein the outer totebag carrier shell further comprises an outer layer and inner layer and a cap that covers the outer layer and inner layer at the opening, the cap extending down the interior surface of the outer totebag carrier shell to the first fastening component, the cap substantially covering the first fastening component and being attached along a first line of attachment to an upper edge of first fastening component and at least the inner layer, the first line of attachment extending substantially around the opening, the cap having a first flexible flap of material extending below the first line of attachment and substantially covering the first fastening component, the first fastening component extending below the first line of attachment and being accessible for attachment to first or second liners under the first flexible flap of material.
 6. The utility totebag system of claim 5 wherein the first liner has a second flexible flap of material extending over the second fastening component, second flexible flap of material being disposed substantially adjacent to the first flexible flap of material when the first liner is attached to the outer totebag carrier shell, so that first and second flexible flaps of material substantially cover first and second fastening components when first and second fastening components are attached.
 7. The utility totebag system of claim 1 further comprising an interior strap attached to a first side of outer totebag carrier shell near a top of the opening and a latching means attached to a second side of outer totebag carrier shell near the top of the opening, the latching means removably securing the interior strap under control of a user.
 8. The utility totebag system of claim 7 wherein the interior strap has a metallic component and the latching means includes a magnet that attracts the metallic component to removably latch the interior strap.
 9. The utility totebag system of claim 7 wherein the outer totebag carrier shell further comprises a latch shroud extending over the latching means, the latch shroud having an open top allowing insertion and removal of the interior strap.
 10. A utility totebag system comprising: an outer totebag carrier shell with an opening and a first fastening component attached to an interior surface of the outer totebag carrier shell adjacent to the opening; a first liner sized to nest inside of the outer totebag carrier shell, the first liner having a second fastening component attached to an outside surface, the second fastening device mating with the first fastening component to selectively attach the first liner to the outer totebag carrier shell under control of a user, the first liner having at least two pockets in a first configuration for transporting a first set of items, the first liner having being made of a first material; and a second liner sized to nest inside of the outer totebag carrier shell, the second liner having a third fastening component attached to an outside surface, the third fastening device mating with the first fastening component to selectively attach the second liner to the outer totebag carrier shell under control of a user with the second liner having at least two pockets in a second configuration for transporting a second set of items, the second liner being a multi-layered composite structure with the innermost layer of the multi-layered composite structure being a second material different from the first material; and wherein the user can selectively attach the first or the second liner to the outer totebag carrier shell.
 11. The utility totebag system of claim 10 wherein the multi-layered composite structure includes a layer thermally insulating material sandwiched between two outer layers.
 12. The utility totebag system of claim 10 wherein the first material is a water-resistant material.
 13. The utility totebag system of claim 10 wherein the first liner further comprises a portable computer pocket with a securing strap for holding a portable computer.
 14. The utility totebag system of claim 10 wherein the outer totebag carrier shell further comprises an outer layer and inner layer and a cap that covers the outer layer and inner layer at the opening, the cap extending down the interior surface of the outer totebag carrier shell to the first fastening component, the cap substantially covering the first fastening component and being attached along a first line of attachment to an upper edge of first fastening component and at least the inner layer, the first line of attachment extending substantially around the opening, the cap having a first flexible flap of material extending below the first line of attachment and substantially covering the first fastening component, the first fastening component extending below the first line of attachment and being accessible for attachment to first or second liners under the first flexible flap of material.
 15. The utility totebag system of claim 14 wherein the first liner has a second flexible flap of material extending over the second fastening component, second flexible flap of material being disposed substantially adjacent to the first flexible flap of material when the first liner is attached to the outer totebag carrier shell, so that first and second flexible flaps of material substantially cover first and second fastening components when first and second fastening components are attached.
 16. The utility totebag system of claim 10 further comprising an interior strap attached to a first side of outer totebag carrier shell near a top of the opening and a latching means attached to a second side of outer totebag carrier shell near the top of the opening, the latching means removably securing the interior strap under control of a user.
 17. The utility totebag system of claim 16 wherein the interior strap has a metallic component and the latching means includes a magnet that attracts the metallic component to removably latch the interior strap.
 18. The utility totebag system of claim 16 wherein the outer totebag carrier shell further comprises a latch shroud extending over the latching means, the latch shroud having an open top allowing insertion and removal of the interior strap. 